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Regent Theatre, Dunedin

The Regent Theatre is a much-loved Dunedin institution, and it was extremely important to respect the community and restore the building as carefully as possible, while making sure it functions in the 21st century.

Heritage architects Oakley Gray Architects were engaged by the Otago Theatre Trust and the Dunedin City Council to assist with the redevelopment of the 1800-seat Regent Theatre, situated in the Octagon, Dunedin. This iconic building was in poor condition, the stage house needed more height to accommodate touring shows, and there were several areas of non-compliance with the Building Code. The Regent Theatre is a much-loved Dunedin institution, and it was extremely important to respect the community and restore the building as carefully as possible, while making sure it functions in the 21st century.

Regent Theatre stage from the right side of the balcony

The new work included a new stage and a 64 line flying system, a raised stage house ceiling, enlargement of the existing dressing room block, a new sprinkler system and extensive electrical upgrading. The orchestra pit was modified, new heritage-style seating was installed in the auditorium, a lift installed and additional rooms created in the basement. New axminster carpet was purpose-made for the project and installed in the public areas.

Regent Theatre centre isle

The auditorium had a category 1 Historic Places Trust rating, and the architectural team worked closely with the Historic Places Trust during the redevelopment to ensure any new work was sympathetic to the original. As one condition of the Resource Consent, a conservation paint expert (Laurence Le Ber), was employed to undertake an examination of the existing paintwork and make recommendations. He took paint scrapings and samples, identified the existing colour scheme, paint application methods and techniques, and made recommendations for the new painting. The entire auditorium was birdcage scaffolded, to allow the painting and sprinkler installation to be carried out.

Regent Theatre proscenium arch and ceiling

The colour scheme of the auditorium was selected to match as closely as possible to the original 1928 colour scheme, as agreed with the Historic Places Trust. The conservation expert spent close to a week in the building, laboriously identifying the many different shades and hues.

The age and condition of the auditorium meant that great care was needed in the cleaning down of the existing paintwork and application of the protective glazes and colours.

Regent Theatre stalls

The impressive auditorium ceiling and proscenium arch is finished in Resene SpaceCote Flat tinted to multiple colours used to replicate the historic colour scheme – including Resene Buff (tan brown), Resene Cashmere (dusty coral pink), Resene Double Spanish White (beige neutral), Resene Tradewind (greened blue), Resene Quarter Colins Wicket (warmed suede), Resene Horizon (smoky sky blue), Resene Opium (pink brown), Resene Bone (pink beige), Resene Tom Tom (sombre beige), Resene Akaroa (pebble grey), Resene Viola (pastel pink), Resene Gold (gold metallic), Resene Tsunami (grey blued neutral), Resene Vin Rouge (soft wine red), silver and gold leaf. The main auditorium (existing decorative friezes and proscenium arch) is protected in a clear finish of Resene MultiShield+.

Regent Theatre seating

The concrete floor to orchestra assembly is wrapped in Resene Cemseal and the stage floor in Resene SpaceCote Flat tinted to Resene Black. The stage’s exposed metal work is finished in Resene Lusta-Glo semi-gloss, also in Resene Black. The dressing room exterior features Resene Lumbersider tinted to Resene Sisal (light beige), Resene Bone White (classic greyed beige) and Resene Parchment (light beige neutral).

The project took 10 months overall and has restored the Regent Theatre to its former glory.

Regent Theatre rear of balcony
Regent Theatre foyer and stairway

Architectural Specifier: Oakley Gray Architects
Building Contractor: Amalgamated Builders Ltd
Client: Dunedin City Council, Otago Theatre Trust
Colour Selection: Oakley Gray Architects
Painting Contractor: Wrens
Photographer: Bill Nichol
Resene Representative: Nelson Dickson, Otago Branch Manager
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2013
From the Resene News – issue 3/2013

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